Well, ignoring for a minute the fact that one can generally discount about 70% of what one reads in the media and that this sounds way too much like Mr. segal's cheesy film plots, I'd like to point out life ain't no movie. While I personally think his films are bloody silly, you don't question the skill of a 7th dan aikidoist. Supposing for a minute (which I don't believe) that everything happened as reported, anyone, Segal included, would be foolhardy to act tough against the Gambinos, Aikido or no Aikido. Black belts do not deflect bullets. If I had his money, I'd probably say 'here -take this 700G' as well.